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Wednesday, March 23, 2011

Step by Step. Progress!

In spite of all the challenges they face in keeping the clinic up and running, Moffat and the Fremo staff and volunteers work tirelessly to reach out and meet the health needs of the Kawangware community. Here's the latest on what they've been up to over the last couple of weeks:
March 8, 2011 Fremo staff spent the day in Kawangware doing Antenatal Care awareness. A 2006 report about reproductive health published by the University of Nairobi stated that an estimated 414 women per 100,000 live births die due to pregnancy related complication in Kenya every year. Over half of births are delivered at home without the supervision of a health professional.And the problems of malaria, anemia, TB, STD/HIV/AIDS only add to the high maternal mortality ratio. The statistics for children in Kenya are just as grim.
The awareness activities of March 8, were successful in reaching several women in the Kawangware area. With continued efforts we can increase awareness even further in hopes of reducing maternal and infant deaths in Kenya.
March 21, 2011 Fremo welcomed the Kawangware community to the clinic for free HIV testing.
Over 1.5 million people in Kenya are infected with HIV, the virus that causes AIDS. HIV cannot be cured, but it can be treated and prevented. Unfortunately, misunderstandings about the cause, transmission, and treatment of HIV abound. As Fremo encourages community members to "know your status", myths about HIV can be dispelled, preventative measures can be taken, and not only treatment, but also hope can be given.
March 19,2011, Moffat posted a message on Facebook that read, "Hard work ahead this week. Making Hospital beds and tables. We need to make FreMo provide the best Quality healthcare to people of Kawangware. Support us all. Nice week."
In the midst of their community outreach, education, and testing, the Fremo staff still has to make time to improve their facilities. They do not, however, have the luxury of placing orders at the local medical supply store for hospital beds, so they have to use their resources to make their own. Whatever it takes to provide a clean, safe place for the people of Kawangware to receive decent health care.
I have a deep respect and admiration for these wonderful Kenyans helping their fellow community members.
Don't forget, you can help too! Donations are always welcome!